ATI RN
Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What manifestation in the patient does the nurse recognize as an early sign of hepatic encephalopathy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Is irritable and lethargic. Early signs of hepatic encephalopathy often include behavioral changes like irritability and lethargy due to impaired brain function from liver dysfunction. This is because the liver is unable to properly detoxify ammonia, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream and affecting brain function. Asterixis, unconsciousness, and oliguria are more severe manifestations seen in later stages of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, recognizing irritability and lethargy in a patient would prompt early intervention to prevent further progression of hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse cautions that constant stress can cause which alteration to the gastrointestinal (GI) system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because constant stress triggers the release of excess digestive juices, leading to increased acid production and potentially causing a gastric ulcer. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn stimulates the release of stress hormones that can disrupt the balance of digestive juices. Slowed GI mobility (choice A) typically causes constipation, not directly related to stress. Reversed peristalsis (choice B) leading to projectile vomiting is more commonly associated with conditions such as food poisoning or intestinal blockages. Decreased digestive juices (choice D) would likely result in poor digestion and nutrient absorption, but it is not a common consequence of stress-induced alterations to the GI system.
Question 3 of 5
Which of these processes occurs in the mouth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the mouth, ingestion occurs when food is taken in. Mechanical digestion occurs through chewing and mixing food with saliva. Chemical digestion begins with enzymes in saliva breaking down carbohydrates. Therefore, all processes (ingestion, mechanical digestion, and chemical digestion) occur in the mouth. Other choices are incorrect because they do not encompass all the processes that happen in the mouth.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is educating a group of older adults on ways to prevent falls. Which statement made by an older adult indicates the need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Walking barefoot increases the risk of slipping and falling, especially for older adults with balance issues. Wearing shoes indoors provides stability and reduces the risk of falls. Choices A, B, and C all demonstrate good fall prevention strategies by addressing vision, home safety, and orthostatic hypotension respectively.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse caring for an 80-year-old woman who is undergoing the extensive bowel preparation for a colonoscopy. The nurse should most closely monitor the patient for which potential complication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metabolic acidosis. During bowel preparation for a colonoscopy, the patient may experience electrolyte imbalances due to fluid loss from diarrhea and bowel cleansing agents. This can lead to metabolic acidosis, characterized by low pH and bicarbonate levels in the blood. The nurse should monitor for signs such as confusion, weakness, and rapid breathing. Diarrhea (A) is a common side effect of bowel preparation but is not the most critical complication to monitor. Fatigue (C) and dyspnea (D) are not directly related to the electrolyte imbalances that can lead to metabolic acidosis in this scenario.